Amarillo, TX -- Texas inmates serving time for crimes against children could spend even more time behind bars if legislators choose to enact some proposed reforms.

Under current policy, many inmates, including those convicted of crimes against children, are automatically eligible for parole every year, but some say those inmates should have no such privilege.

"Emma's Law" would be named after Emma Thompson, a 4 year-old Houston girl who was raped and beaten to death by her mother's boyfriend in 2009.

Lucas Coe was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Her mother, however, received a sentence of twenty years for child endangerment by omission, but after just two years, she was eligible for parole, and will be every year through the duration of her sentence.

When Laurie Thompson read a letter about the parole eligibility of the woman in prison for the death of Thompson's granddaughter, she thought the review date -- two years into a 20-year sentence -- was a typo. "We had been reassured that the perpetrators of this crime would have no hope of being released in the near future," Thompson said.

In 2009, Thompson's granddaughter, 4-year-old Emma Thompson, was beaten to death after being sexually assaulted by her mother's boyfriend, Lucas Coe. A jury convicted Emma's mother, Abigail Young, of "reckless endangerment of child by omission," and sentenced her to 20 years. Young became eligible for parole after two years and will be automatically reviewed again every year that she is in prison.

"We really have no relief," Thompson said. "We have to revisit the details of the crime every time. It seems like we've been given a 20-year sentence."

As a result of Young's parole eligibility, Thompson and other victims' advocates are pursuing legislation that would end automatic yearly parole reviews in cases where the victim is a child.

Just want it noted on Emma's thread here that I posted Links to the article/video by KFDA in Amarillo and the Link to the story that MyHighPlains.com - Amarillo featured from The Texas Tribune on the following Facebook pages:

The Texas Civil Rights Project argues that such legislation would equate to a backdoor attempt to keep people in prison.

Ann, thanks for keeping us updated on little Emma. This is just outrageous, the Texas Civil Rights Project can call it anything they want, I have no sympathy for these scumbags, especially those that make a CHOICE to harm/murder children, imo, they aren't entitled to any special treatment. The criminals in this case are both real POS's, I can't stand to think that one day mama is going to get out.

I am so saddened for Emma's grandmother/family to have to continue this fight, it is unfair and continues to keep them in pain. I am so glad Ms. Riddle is representing Emma/grandmother/family, hopefully this passes.

As you probably know, Laurie Thompson is Emma's paternal grandmother. She is the Thompson family spokesperson.

I hope this bill becomes law. I commend Texas State Representative Debbie Riddle for sponsoring this bill and a special thanks to Laurie for her efforts and hard work. I know she must be very pleased that TSR Riddle is sponsoring this bill. I hope Emma's Law will become a reality during this 2013 session.

Texas residents, thank you for taking the time to contact your District representative(s).

Please remember that precious Emma Thompson (barely 4 years-old) died a brutal, horrific death. Her mother, Abigail Young, became eligible for parole review, after serving only 19 months of a 20 year sentence. Young's parole was denied in August, 2012.

However, as per current Texas law, Abigail Young will be up for parole review every year. It would be nice for the Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles to have Emma's Law for a possible 5 year off-set versus every year.This law would apply to convicted felons with felony convictions involving children.

"Emma's Law" would help serve justice for many children who have been abused or murdered in Texas. Those convicted of felony crimes involving children should serve their sentence and not be eligible for parole every year. Children are the innocent victims!

Precious Emma Thompson . . . gone . . . . . but not forgotten!

~~~

Photos courtesy: Amanda Young Mathews (Emma's maternal aunt)

Last edited by Ann - Tx on Wed Jan 16, 2013 7:34 pm; edited 1 time in total

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the eligibility of certain inmates convicted of injury to a child for release to mandatory supervision. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 508.149(a), Government Code, as amended by Chapters 1 (S.B. 24) and 122 (H.B. 3000), Acts of the 82nd Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, is reenacted and amended to read as follows: (a) An inmate may not be released to mandatory supervision if the inmate is serving a sentence for or has been previously convicted of: (1) an offense for which the judgment contains an affirmative finding under Section 3g(a)(2), Article 42.12, Code of Criminal Procedure; (2) a first degree felony or a second degree felony under Section 19.02, Penal Code; (3) a capital felony under Section 19.03, Penal Code; (4) a first degree felony or a second degree felony under Section 20.04, Penal Code; (5) an offense under Section 21.11, Penal Code; (6) a felony under Section 22.011, Penal Code; (7) a first degree felony or a second degree felony under Section 22.02, Penal Code; (8) a first degree felony under Section 22.021, Penal Code; (9) a first degree felony under Section 22.04, Penal Code; (9-a) a second degree felony or a third degree felony under Section 22.04, Penal Code, if the victim of the offense is a child; (10) a first degree felony under Section 28.02, Penal Code; (11) a second degree felony under Section 29.02, Penal Code; (12) a first degree felony under Section 29.03, Penal Code; (13) a first degree felony under Section 30.02, Penal Code; (14) a felony for which the punishment is increased under Section 481.134 or Section 481.140, Health and Safety Code; (15) an offense under Section 43.25, Penal Code; (16) an offense under Section 21.02, Penal Code; (17) a first degree felony under Section 15.03, Penal Code; (18) an offense under Section 43.05, Penal Code; [or] (19) an offense under Section 20A.02, Penal Code; or (20) [(18)] an offense under Section 20A.03, Penal Code. SECTION 2. The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. For purposes of this section, an offense was committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurred before that date. SECTION 3. To the extent of any conflict, this Act prevails over another Act of the 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, relating to nonsubstantive additions to and corrections in enacted codes. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2013.

Last edited by Ann - Tx on Wed Jan 16, 2013 7:26 pm; edited 2 times in total

Emma Thompson, the 4-year old daughter of a former Brenham nurse, died horribly three years ago, now, a new law named for her is before the legislature that will keep who people commit violence against children from ever committing that crime again.

State Rep. Debbie Riddle is proposing the ‘Emma Thompson Law’ before this session of the state Legislature.

She says it is in direct response to Emma’s death in the spring of 2009. Emma had been beaten to death by her mother’s boyfriend, Lucas Coe. Authorities found over 80 bruises on the girl’s body along with a fractured skull.

Both Coe and her mother, Abigail Young of Brenham, were convicted. Coe for the rest of his life, Young for 20 years.

Riddle’s office says that the bill is in direct response to what happened following Emma’s death.

Young was found guilty of reckless endangerment to a child. That’s a third degree felony. Only first degree felonies are on a list of offenses from which the Texas Parole Board is given latitude to set off parole hearing dates for up to five years.

Riddle’s bill, with the support of Emma’s grandmother, Laurie Thompson will change the law. Emma’s law would make any felony against a child, first, second or third degree eligible for the five year offset.

The Texas Civil Rights Project argues that such legislation would equate to a backdoor attempt to keep people in prison.

Freckles wrote:I wonder the judge and jury sleep well after the terrible injustice they did to this little one.

God holds this sweet little one close and protects her as her guardians on earth chose not to.

Hi, Freckles!

The Judge and jury did not do a terrible injustice to Emma Thompson.

The Judge who presided in the trial of Abigail Young and later Lucas Coe's trial did an excellent job in his rulings. Young and Coe both appealed their convictions to the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in Houston (Harris County), Texas. Both cases were Affirmed!

I attended the entire trial of Lucas Coe including the Punishment Phase of the trial. The Judge was awesome; major league sharp! He is a seasoned judge and I was so thankful that he presided over the trials of Young and Coe. It was a privilege to see a Judge of that caliber preside in a trial of a case that I followed as it unfolded.

The jury found Abigail Young guilty of the lesser charge. The lesser charge allowed for punishment from probation to 20 years maximum in prison. The jury recommended 20 years be served and the Judge sentenced Young to 20 years maximum and a $10,000 fine. Young's attorneys asked for probation! Now if the jury had awarded probation that would have been a huge injustice for Emma Thompson.

Unfortunately, Texas law allows for someone convicted of a third degree felony, involving a child, to be able to become eligible for parole every year after the first parole review.

Many were under the impression that Young would have to serve 5 years of her 20 year sentence before becoming eligible for parole review. The Houston media even reported Young would have to serve a minimum of 5 years before parole review eligibility.

After serving only 19 months of a 20 year sentence, Young became eligible for parole review. In August, 2012, the Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles denied her parole. She will be up for parole review again this year and every year until she is either paroled or serves her 20 years.

I, like many, was very disappointed that the jury did not find Young guilty of the first degree felony charge.Had she been found guilty of that charge, the sentence was 20 years to life.

Of course, Lucas Coe was found guilty as charged and will serve life in prison. He will not ever be eligible for parole.

Thankfully, Texas State Representative Debbie Riddle has authored and filed House Bill (HB) 431 in the 2013 Texas Legislative Session currently in session.

Hopefully, it will become law and if it does it will be named " Emma's Law" because of Emma Thompson.

The following has been posted by Laurie Thompson, Emma's paternal grandmother, on Justice For Emma Thompson facebook:

1/16/13 Laurie Thompson: Unfortunately, as written, the bill will become effective on September 1, 2013 and will not impact the parole consideration for Abigail Young. She will continue to be eligible for parole each and every year of her sentence. We are looking to see if this can be addressed before passage of the bill. I will keep you posted.

There will be a public hearing regarding HB 431. The Texas House Committee on Corrections will discuss three House Bills and HB 431 is one of the three. The meeting is scheduled for 2/27/13 at 2:00 p.m. CST in Austin, TX at the Capitol in Room E2.010.

You can view the schedule of the Corrections Committee here. I called and spoke to a clerk with the Corrections Committee this afternoon.

There will be 3 HB discussed on 2/27/13. HB 431 is one of the three. It is a public meeting and one can attend. Also, one can speak to the Committee during the proceedings re HB 431. Prior registration is required if you plan to speak.

Committee Schedules

Corrections

February 27 , 2013 @ 2:00 P.M. or upon final adjourn./recess in room E2.010

For your info, when I spoke to the Corrections Committee Clerk, he said that the State of Texas House of Representatives streams eight (8) meetings "live" on line. As the meeting time draws near, one can click on under Video on the Homepage of State of Texas Legislature on-line.

Only 8 meetings can be streamed per current system capability. There is a high probability that the Corrections Committee Public Meeting on 2/27/13 will be streamed "live." In the event it is not, one will be able to review in Archives.

This is the Link to the Video/Audio of Live Streams:

http://www.house.state.tx.us/video-audio/State of Texas - House of Representatives - Video/Audio

An article regarding HB 431, the Public Meeting in Austin, TX at the Capitol on 2/27/13 and background information regarding Emma Thompson's murder is on the front page of The Banner Press - Brenham, TX in today's edition (2/26/13).

As stated before, Brenham, TX is the hometown of Abigail Young, the mother of precious Emma Thompson who was murdered by Young's boyfriend, Lucas Coe, in June, 2009.~~~~~

‘Emma’s Law’ to be discussed

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 11:45 am

The Banner Press - Brenham, TX

A public hearing will be held Wednesday by a House committee on a bill that would allow the state parole board to delay considering parole cases involving crimes against children.

Called “Emma’s Law” after 4-year-old Emma Thompson, who was murdered in 2009, the House’s Corrections Committee will hold the hearing tentatively scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the capitol.

Rachel Pittman who was sentenced in January, 2013 regarding the murders of Amanda Doss and her two children, is currently located at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Christina Melton Crain Unit in Gatesville, TX.

It is the same unit where Abigail Young, Emma Thompson's mother, is serving her sentence. Wow! I wonder if Pittman and Young will meet one another. Scary stuff!

HB 431 is left in Pending status with the Corrections Committee for further discussion. It will be moving forward!

I am so happy this bill has such wonderful support. Without a doubt, I think Emma's Law will become a reality during this Legislative 2013 Session!

One State Rep on the committee asked Rep. Riddle why the bill could not be made a 5 year (parole review) mandatory for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles when considering parole for felons who have committed felonies against children.

He asked Rep. Riddle if she thought it would not pass as a mandatory. Rep. Riddle said she did not think so.

Then he said maybe it should be made 10 years before felons (crimes against children) become eligible for parole review.

The committee will be considering various things and may make the HB 431 stronger before it moves forward.

This was an awesome public meeting and Rep. Riddle, Laurie Thompson, Andy Kahan (Victims' Rights Advocate for the City of Houston, TX), a Harris County District Attorney, etc. did a great job of testifying.

In case you have limited time but would like to view the Corrections Committee Public Meeting presentation, testimony and discussion of HB 431 (Emma's Law) which was held on Wednesday, 2/27/13, I have noted the video time as to where various speakers can be seen/heard.

If you were unable to watch the "Live" stream of the meeting, you can view it in the Texas House of Representatives Corrections Committee - Archives.

For your info, the presentation of HB 431 (Emma's Law) by Rep. Debbie Riddle starts at the 55:11 (55 minutes:11 seconds) mark on the Real Player Video. You can advance the video to 55:11 by moving the "icon" on the bar below the video box. There were two other bills discussed prior to HB 431.

Laurie Thompson, Emma Thompson's paternal grandmother, testified before the Committee starting at the 1:02:45 (1 Hour: 02 Minutes: 45 Seconds) mark. Wow! She did an outstanding job! She is truly an excellent and impressive speaker. Emma was very lucky to have Laurie Thompson for a grandmother.

HB 431 is in Pending status in the Corrections Committee for further discussion. It is a possibility HB 431 will be made "stronger" prior to moving forward per Committee discussions during the meeting on 2/27/13.

This was an awesome experience to be able to see the meeting via "live" stream.

Personally, I think HB 431 (Emma's Law) will become a reality during the 2013 Legislative session.

I assure you, it is worth your time to listen to the presentation, testimony and discussion regarding HB 431.

The Texas Civil Rights Project argues that such legislation would equate to a backdoor attempt to keep people in prison.

Ann, thanks for keeping us updated on little Emma. This is just outrageous, the Texas Civil Rights Project can call it anything they want, I have no sympathy for these scumbags, especially those that make a CHOICE to harm/murder children, imo, they aren't entitled to any special treatment. The criminals in this case are both real POS's, I can't stand to think that one day mama is going to get out.

I am so saddened for Emma's grandmother/family to have to continue this fight, it is unfair and continues to keep them in pain. I am so glad Ms. Riddle is representing Emma/grandmother/family, hopefully this passes.

Hi, Guest!

My apology for not responding to your comment sooner. Apparently I got side tracked.

Regarding keeping this thread updated, you are welcome.

On Wednesday (2/27/13) after Laurie Thompson testified in front of the Corrections Committee, Rep. Parker (Chair of the Corrections Committee) told Mrs. Thompson that the Bill would move forward! Lots of support for HB 431 - Emma's Law.

I just spoke to a lady at Texas Department of Criminal Justice regarding Abigail Young.

I told her last year, Abigail Young's parole review date was 2/21/12 with a decision being rendered by the Texas Department of Pardons & Paroles (TDPP) the latter part of August, 2012. TDPP denied Young's parole.

Per the lady I spoke to, Abigail Young is now scheduled for parole review again on 8/16/13. She said that means Abigail Young's file will be pulled on 8/16/13 and Young will be placed on parole review status.

After I inquired further, the lady did acknowledge that there is a possibility that Abigail Young's file could be pulled sooner and she be placed on "parole review status."

Like many, I will monitor Abigail Young's status closely and the letter campaign to protest Young's parole will start promptly . . . as soon as she is placed on "parole review status - 2013."

It will take the efforts of many folks to write letters protesting Abigail Young's parole with the Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles. We were successful in 2012 and I hope we will be successful in 2013. Abigail Young was sentenced to 20 years and she needs to serve all 20 years.

Abigail Young has not even served 4 years . . . the age of Emma Thompson when she was brutally raped and murdered by Lucas Coe, Abigail Young's then live-in boyfriend!

HB 431 (Emma's Law) is moving along nicely. It has been sent to Calendars which means it will be scheduled for debate on the House floor! All members of the House of Representatives will have the opportunity to debate this very important bill. Eventually a vote will be taken.

If it clears the House, then it will be sent to the Senate for debate and vote.

Hoping HB 431 will become law during the 2013 Legislative session in TX!

As we all know, Emma was barely 4 years old when she was brutally raped and beaten to death by Lucas Coe, her mother's (Abigail Young) live-in boyfriend. Lucas Coe is serving life without parole (no possible chance of parole) in a Texas prison in south Texas.

Abigail Young, Emma's mother, was sentenced to 20 years in prison regarding Emma's death. However, because of work credits and good behavior, Young came up for parole review 19 months after being sentenced. She served less time, before parole review, than the age of Emma at the time of her death. Emma was about 51 months old.

There was a very intense letter writing campaign in 2012 which involved writing the Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles (TBPP) to protest parole and request no parole for Abigail Young. Folks from all over the world wrote letters to TBPP. It was a very successful campaign.

Efforts to encourage folks to write letters (for Emma; be Emma's voice) were done by 3 Facebook pages (one in Oklahoma; one set up by LCoastMom and one set up by Emma's maternal aunt, Amanda Young Mathews). We reached out to members and guests of Websleuths, The Hinky Meter and Reality Chatter. The response was incredible!

Also, many folks sent numerous e-mails to their contacts and requested that a letter be written to TBPP protesting Abigail Young's parole and for that person to please send the request to all of their contacts, etc.

Abigail Young was denied parole in August, 2012. Sadly, she will be eligible for parole review every year. We, along with Emma's paternal family and maternal aunt and many others will campaign again this year (2013) and encourage folks all over the world to write TBPP and request that parole be denied for Abigail Young.

Without a doubt, the thousands of letters received by TBPP, had an impact! At the appropriate time, we will gear up for another letter writing campaign and hope that many people will not forget precious Emma and write a letter to TBPP to ensure that Abigail Young is NOT granted parole in 2013! That would be the greatest injustice of all . . .

There is Texas House Bill 431 which would be called "Emma's Law" to honor Emma Thompson. It is moving along nicely. It is a very long process but it is with great hope that HB 431 will pass the Texas House of Representatives and then when it is sent to the Senate that they will pass it!

So . . . precious Emma, as you enjoy your 8th birthday in Heaven, you have not been forgotten at all here on earth. The law makers of Texas may soon pass Emma' Law in your honor. Your paternal grandmother, Laurie Thompson, as the Thompson family spokesperson, got House Rep. Debbie Riddle who lives not very far from where you were murdered and is the District Rep for the area where you lived to introduce HB 431 (Emma's Law). Laurie did an awesome job of testifying in front of the Corrections Committee re HB 431. What a wonderful, loving grandmother you have!

It is still hard to believe that your maternal grandmother, Margie Routt Young, did not testify in front of the Corrections Committee of the Texas House of Representatives to urge the passing of HB 431 (Emma's Law). But it does not surprise me.

Afterall, your maternal grandmother, Margie Routt Young, testified for the defense - her daughter and your mother, Abigail Young! So sad that your maternal grandmother failed you so many times, especially at the trial of Abigail Young. She did not seek justice for you, Emma, as evidenced by court records.

And she did not even bother to attend Lucas Coe's trial. Your paternal family were there every day of the trial as they were for Abigail Young's trial!

Amanda Young Mathews, Emma Thompson's maternal aunt, posted the following on her Facebook page yesterday to honor Emma's 8th birthday.

Amanda Young MathewsYesterday via mobile.

Today would of been Emma's 8th Birthday! Every year that goes by makes me really wonder what she would look like! How she would sound! What her interests would of been! Today I will celebrate her birthday and remember the good memories! She may be gone but never forgotten!

Emma, Aunt Am and Lillie will be sending you balloons to heaven on this special day! I miss you baby girl but you are here with me everyday in my heart! Hope you have a beautiful day in Heaven dancing amongst the flowers! Know that we on Earth will be dancing along thankful that we got you for the 4 years we did! Miss and Love you BIG MUCH! Happy Birthday! XOXO -Aunt Am

Oh, sweet child. The pain, the suffering, the terrible injustices committed upon your little body and mind by those you were supposed to trust. You gave your love so freely and shared your heart, your smiles so willingly only to be ravaged and abused.